can passengers travel in the back of a utility vehicle (ute) vic

Short answer for Victoria: no, you can’t cart mates around in the back of a ute on public roads.

Passengers must be in proper seats with seatbelts fitted and worn; the tray or cargo area doesn’t count, no matter how nostalgic the farm run feels.

Kids must be in approved child restraints inside the cabin, and anyone riding unrestrained cops fines and demerit points (so will the driver).

Private property is different, but the moment you touch a public road, the rules bite.

If your ute has aftermarket rear seats, they must be complianced and legal—check VicRoads or a licensed engineer before you play taxi in the tray.